Nellis, DM welcomes familiar faces from Moody

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ciara Wymbs
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. --  Nellis and Davis-Monthan Air Force Bases recently got a special visit from well known faces May 7 through 10.

U.S. Air Force Col. Billy Thompson, 23d Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Frank Batten, 23d WG command chief, visited geographically separated units to reconnect with Airmen here who are assigned to the 23d WG.

"I don't want you guys to think just because you are out of sight that you are out of mind, because you are not," said Thompson. "I'm very very honored and humbled to be able to serve with you guys."

During the first part of the visit, 23d WG leadership met with members of Nellis' 823d Maintenance Squadron, 55th and 66th Rescue Squadrons. There was also a commander's call to highlight recent accomplishments by the three squadrons.

Thompson said he was very honored and humbled to lead such a phenomenal group of individuals. to the commander thanked Airmen for their efforts, and also asked them to take time to think about how impressive and unprecedented their mission is. Eight Air Force level awards prove that.

He touched on the contributions from these GSUs that helped earn the 23d WG's 1,000 combat decorations. Thompson also emphasized the need for safety during the upcoming 101 Critical Days of Summer.

At Davis-Monthan, Thompson's commander's call focused on the latest actions by the 563rd Rescue Group and 563rd Maintenance Squadron, which aided in the base passing the recent operational readiness inspection. He also met with members from the office of the secretary of defense, where they talked about rescue operations and the new HC-130 J Combat King II capabilities.

"I'm very proud to be able to still serve with you." said Thompson, who served as the 563d RQG commander from May 2009 through June 2011.